No, it is not recommended to build a deck directly on the ground. The ground around your deck is the most important factor in building a successful and safe deck. It should not be built directly on the ground because the soil underneath can shift over time which can cause warping or sinking of the deck which can be unsafe.
Furthermore, water can easily pool under untreated wood which can cause deterioration from rot and insects. Building a deck on the ground also poses a danger of water damage to the home’s foundation.
Additionally, when building on the ground you usually do not have access to important footings such as a ledger board or posts which are necessary for providing stability and bearing the weight of the deck.
It is best to have the deck built on a foundation of gravel, concrete blocks, pressure-treated wood, or piers set on footings. This will ensure a more safe and level deck.
Do I need footings for a ground level deck?
In most cases, footings are not necessary for ground level decks. If your deck is not attached to a house and will be higher than 30 inches from the ground to the top of your deck boards, then footings are essential to ensure the deck is stable and secure.
The footings should be at least twelve inches below the frost line of your local area. If your deck is relatively low to the ground and not attached to a house, you can use concrete piers with post anchors.
The post anchors should be secured in wet concrete with a minimum of an 8″ diameter circle or square shape that extends a minimum of 12 inches below the frost line. However, if your deck frames are already attached to your house, then you will need to install footings for support.
Additionally, if you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes or other seismic activity, it is recommended that you install footings even if your deck is close to the ground and not attached to a structure.
The footings should be sized and placed appropriately to provide the necessary support per local laws.
How high can a ground level deck be?
The maximum height of a ground level deck is usually determined by local zoning regulations and building codes. Generally speaking, the maximum height for a ground level deck is usually between 30-45 inches, but this may vary in different areas.
Any deck that is higher than 45 inches usually requires a building permit and handrails for safety. The height of the deck should also take into account any adjacent structures and existing grades, as well as how much of the deck will be covered with a roof or shade structure.
Additionally, building codes may require a guardrail for decks higher than 30 inches or two separate stairways when stairs are installed with the deck.
How do I keep my ground level deck from rotting?
The key to keeping your ground level deck from rotting is to practice good maintenance and properly building your deck. First, when building your deck, use pressure-treated wood or wood that has been treated with a preservative.
Pressure-treated wood will last much longer than untreated wood, and it also helps to protect against fungus and rot. Additionally, use protective mats or fabric under the deck to create a moisture barrier.
You should also inspect your deck regularly for any signs of damage or decay from the elements. Look for soft spots in the wood, which may indicate the start of rotting. Additionally, check for signs of mold, mildew, and discoloration caused by moisture and condensation.
When cleaning your deck, use a product designed for use on outdoor wood. If a pressure washer is used, avoid holding the wand too close to the wood surface, as doing so can strip away the protective coating.
Be sure to apply a wood preservative to the wood surface every few years, especially in areas prone to moisture.
Finally, pay attention to the climate in your area and take the necessary steps to protect your deck from the weather. In cold climates, use floor mats or matting to prevent snow and ice from collecting.
You may also want to cover your deck with a tarp during periods of warm weather, to protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
What size wood should I use for a decking frame?
When considering what size wood to use for a decking frame, there are several factors to take into consideration. The most important factor is the size of the joists, which will determine the stability and overall strength of your deck.
Generally speaking, most decks are built with joists measuring between 2×6 and 2×12 depending on the size and type of decking being used. The joists should be 12” (30 cm) apart on center and specified based on the size of the deck and possible loadings that may be applied to the structure.
In addition to the joists, the ledger board, beams, and posts may also be constructed from similar sized lumber or a thicker dimension as specified in the local building codes. The thickness and spacing of the posts should also be determined based on the size and load of the deck.
For example, decks that are larger than 8 feet (2.4 m) wide should be supported by posts set 6 feet (1.8 m) apart.
The thickness of the decking boards should also be taken into consideration depending on the size of the gaps between them. Typically, for residential decks the space between boards should be not wider than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
This space should be adjusted based on the size and type of decking material being used. For example, tongue-and-groove decking should have a gap size of 1/8” (0.3 cm) between the boards.
Ultimately, when selecting the size of the lumber for a decking frame, be sure to research the local building codes, load requirements, and consider factors such as the size, type, and spacing of the decking materials being used.
Doing so will ensure that your deck is built to last with a sturdy frame that can withstand the test of time.
Can a deck be ground level?
Yes, a deck can be ground level. This is a type of deck known as a “grade level” or “ground level” deck. A grade level deck is built directly onto the ground without any kind of foundation or support structure.
Grade level decks are typically built on a bed of gravel, crushed stone, or similar material to provide drainage and stability. They can be built more quickly and for less cost than a deck constructed on a raised foundation.
However, grade level decks can be more vulnerable to moisture, rot, and insect damage, so it is important to select a lumber that is resistant to these. The grade level deck also has to be designed to fit the lay of the land, which can be challenging and require a professional touch.
Do ground level decks need footings?
Yes, ground level decks generally need footings in order to provide the necessary support for the deck. Footings act as the foundation for the deck, transferring the weight of the deck and its occupants to the ground.
Without footings, the deck may not have the necessary support, which increases the risk of the deck collapsing. Footings should be placed approximately every 8 feet and must go below the frost line, which varies depending on location.
Wet soil also requires deeper and wider footings. It is important to consult local building codes in order to determine the required size and spacing of the footings and to obtain a building permit when necessary.
Professional deck builders and engineers should also be consulted in order to ensure proper installation of the footings.
What is the cheapest deck to build?
The cheapest deck to build depends on the size and complexity of the deck you are looking to build. In terms of materials, the cheapest way to build a deck would include using pressure-treated lumber, as it is by far the most affordable option.
Pressure-treated lumber will usually cost around $2.00 to $5.00 per square foot. You may also consider using alternative materials such as composite decking or recycled plastic decking. Depending on the size of your deck and the complexity of your design, you could also consider using different types and grades of lumber or pre-made decking kits.
In terms of labor and supplies, hiring a contractor for the job is likely to be the most expensive option. If you are attempting to do the job yourself, you will need basic tools such as a miter saw, circular saw, drill and hammer.
If you need additional supplies, you may want to check into local hardware stores or lumber yards to find the best deals. Building a deck also requires special hardware, such as screws, brackets, and connectors, so be sure to factor these into your budget.
Overall, there is no single answer to the question of what the cheapest deck to build is. Depending on your individual budget and project scope, you may find yourself looking into different materials and labor methods to create the deck you have always wanted.
Can you build a deck without footings?
Yes, you can build a deck without footings. However, footings are an important part of any deck structure and they provide added stability and strength to the overall structure. Without footings, the deck will not be as strong and may not be as stable as it would be with them.
Instead of footings, you could use pier blocks, also called precast concrete piers, as your foundation for the deck. Pier blocks are concrete bases that can be placed directly onto the ground and onto which the deck can be attached.
It’s important to note, however, that pier blocks are intended to be a temporary installation only and that they should be replaced with footings if the deck will be in place for a longer time period or if the deck will be subjected to heavy use.
Does a freestanding deck need footings?
Yes, a freestanding deck typically needs footings to provide adequate stability. Footings are the foundation of your deck and are necessary in order to support the deck. Without a solid foundation, the deck could become unstable or even collapse.
Footings provide a secure connection to the ground and transfer the load of the deck and its users to the ground below. Generally, footings should be dug a minimum of 12” deep, depending on the type of soil, size of the deck and the load it will carry.
It is recommended to contact a professional deck builder or local building inspector to determine local construction requirements.